Player Updates

Miller allowed a solo home run but worked around another hit to escape with the save Saturday against the Brewers. He also struck out a batter.

Miller yielded a pinch-hit big fly to leadoff batter Tyler Saladino but induced a strikeout and a groundout and worked around a two-out single to force the game-ending flyout. The Nationals' tumultuous, injury-riddled bullpen might not use the same option each night, but Miller, who hides an excellent 10.4 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 behind his 4.00 ERA, will probably remain the chief option before Sean Doolittle (toe) or Kelvin Herrera (foot) is ready to return.

Miller tossed a perfect ninth inning and picked up the save Monday against Philadelphia.

Miller induced two groundouts and a popout as he faced the minimum on the way to his first save of the season. With Kelvin Herrera (foot) likely done for the year and Ryan Madson just returning from the shelf Monday, Miller was called upon with a two-run lead in the ninth to seal the deal. The closer situation will remain a bit murky for now, although Madson appears to be the favorite to take over the majority of Washington's save opportunities in the meantime. Koda Glover and Miller may also factor into the mix.

Miller will likely get the call if a save situation arises Tuesday, but Koda Glover is expected to be the primary closer after Ryan Madson (back) was placed on the 10-day disabled list, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

Glover will likely be unavailable Tuesday after pitching back-to-back days, but manager Dave Martinez said Glover will be the primary option in the ninth until Sean Doolittle (toe) is ready. Miller was hit by a comebacker Monday but it sounds like he's fine. The 31-year-old was great upon arrival to Washington earlier this year, but Miller has seen his K-rate fall to just 14.3 percent since the All-Star break.

Miller took a comebacker off his leg Monday night and his status for Tuesday is uncertain, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

This is poor timing for Miller, as the ninth inning just opened up again in Washington with Ryan Madson (back) landing on the DL. That said, Miller would not have been a lock for the job even if he were completely healthy. While the 31-year-old has posted an impressive 23.3 percent K-BB rate, he's also struggled with the long ball (two homers in his last two appearances, 1.73 HR/9 for the season). Koda Glover, meanwhile, has made just three appearances with the major-league team this year, but he throws harder than Miller and spent time in the closer role with the Nationals last season.

Miller (4-0) allowed one hit and struck out four in 1.2 scoreless innings Wednesday to collect the win in a 5-4 victory over the Yankees.

Incredibly, the hit was only the second baserunner Miller has allowed in 10.2 innings over eight appearances since joining the Nats bullpen, and his 0.00 ERA, 0.19 WHIP and 21:0 K:BB are shocking for a 31-year-old with a career 4.45 ERA in the majors. There's no telling how long he'll be able to keep up this otherworldly pace, but Miller is quickly establishing himself as an integral part of the team's relief corps.